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Can hydrogen peroxide cause hearing loss?
What are the side effects of hydrogen peroxide in the ear?
Can hydrogen peroxide be used in the ear?
Can hydrogen peroxide remove earwax?
Can hydrogen peroxide help clogged ears?
Can hydrogen peroxide cause a bubbling sound?
Jul 31, 2024 · Yes, hydrogen peroxide can cause hearing loss if used improperly. Excessive exposure to hydrogen peroxide in the ear can lead to inflammation, irritation, and damage to delicate ear structures, potentially impairing hearing function.
- Overview
- Why put hydrogen peroxide in the ear?
- Risks of too much
- Treatment
- Alternatives
- When to contact a doctor
- Summary
Many commercially available ear drops to remove excess ear wax contain hydrogen peroxide. This may cause a bubbling sound as it comes into contact with ear wax. However, too much hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation or other issues.
While hydrogen peroxide can help remove excess earwax, using too much can irritate the skin inside the ear and lead to other problems.
Earwax is a waxy substance produced in the ear canal. While having earwax is generally a good thing — it protects and cleans the ear canal — too much earwax can cause issues.
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, problems with earwax account for about 12 million visits to doctors’ offices and 8 million earwax removal procedures.
The medical term for earwax is cerumen. Hydrogen peroxide is a cerumenolytic solution that softens and dissolves earwax. A person may use hydrogen peroxide or ear drops containing hydrogen peroxide to remove excess earwax.
Usually, the ears produce enough earwax to protect and clean the ear canal.
Specialized glands, called ceruminous glands, secrete fats and acidic substances that protect the ear from infections. These secretions trap dead skin cells, dust, and dirt inside the ear. This mixture forms the waxy material commonly known as earwax.
Normally, earwax gets pushed out of the ear canal when a person moves their lower jaw while speaking or eating. However, earwax can accumulate in the ear canal if this natural cleaning process fails.
Factors that can cause excess earwax include:
•wearing hearing aids
Ear drops can contain different types of hydrogen peroxide or other substances that soften earwax.
Carbamide peroxide is a common form of hydrogen peroxide ear drops. These drops release oxygen in the earwax, causing it to bubble. The addition of oxygen softens the plug, making it easier to remove.
In general, hydrogen peroxide has a good safety profile if used properly. Most over-the-counter (OTC) hydrogen peroxide solutions contain purified water and 3% hydrogen peroxide. OTC ear drops contain 6.5% carbamide peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is generally safe at low concentrations. However, some people may experience side effects, including:
•temporary fizzing or bubbling sensation
•bitter taste
People should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions or a doctor’s advice when using ear drops. They should not put more than 10 drops in the ear at one time. People can place 5–10 drops in each ear twice daily for up to 4 days.
A person can flush out excess hydrogen peroxide and earwax with warm water or a bulb syringe.
Hydrogen peroxide ear drops may not remove enough earwax if used alone. In this case, a person may want to consider rinsing the ear with an ear syringe.
People can find ear syringes at their local drugstores or through online retailers. They should always follow the instructions printed on the product label.
People can use other earwax softeners, such as:
•acetic acid
•docusate sodium
•sodium bicarbonate
A person may want to consider consulting a doctor if they have excess earwax that causes:
•ear pain
•tinnitus
•hearing difficulties
•dizziness
•ear drainage
Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in OTC ear drops. It is a cerumenolytic solution that softens and dissolves earwax.
However, hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin inside the ear canal if a person uses it too frequently.
Dec 20, 2023 · The buildup of earwax can cause your ears to become clogged and even infected, sometimes resulting in hearing loss. Using hydrogen peroxide helps soften earwax so it's easier to safely remove. The steps to follow for softening earwax with hydrogen peroxide include the following: Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with water or saline solution.
Apr 5, 2024 · Putting hydrogen peroxide into your ear can effectively remove earwax, but it's essential to do it safely. Avoid this method if you have any ear problems, such as a perforated (tear or hole) eardrum, ear tubes, active dermatitis in your ear, an ear infection, or ear pain.
Is It Safe to Use Hydrogen Peroxide in Your Ears? Using hydrogen peroxide in your ears can be safe when done correctly and in moderation. Here are some key points to consider: Dilution: Always use a diluted solution (typically 3%) to avoid irritation or damage to the delicate tissues in the ear.
Dec 21, 2022 · Additionally, hydrogen peroxide may cause residual bubbling in the ears that can interfere with ear examinations. So, avoid using this chemical if you have an ear infection or a perforated eardrum unless your doctor asks you to do so.
May 31, 2024 · The answer is yes. Compared to other ear cleaning strategies, such as ear candles or cotton buds, Hydrogen Peroxide is a safer and a more efficient choice. Ear candles can cause burns and other injuries to the ear canal, while cotton buds can push earwax further into the ear canal, causing blockages and other complications.
